Denton installs WiFi in park

Published: Monday, March 4, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 1, 2013 at 2:56 p.m.

The Town of Denton followed suit of much larger cities when it implemented public WiFi this past month.

The beginning of February signaled the start of Denton's public WiFi, offering an umbrella of coverage in Harrison Park. Victor Pizzurro, Denton town manager, said the town installed the WiFi antennas near the town clock and under the gazebo. This allows the WiFi's signal to blanket the area without much interference from the buildings.

The WiFi idea came from looking at neighboring cities as well as discussions from the county's town managers and mayors. Pizzurro said he wanted to give credit to Lexington's officials as their WiFi set-up was part of what sparked the installation in Denton. Lexington's public WiFi went live in late December.

"We've been communicating with Lexington officials, and they have a really good (WiFi) set up," Pizzurro said. "We introduced the WiFi to help economic development in our town."

Similar to Lexington, the WiFi is intended for outdoor use. Pizzurro said the town is looking into expanding but is taking into consideration the cost. Right now, the signal covers about a two-block radius, which reaches slightly outside the park's boundaries.

"We're very excited and pleased with the availability of WiFi in the downtown area, not only for our businesses but for our citizens as well," Pizzurro said.

Pizzurro gave credit to the mayor of Denton, Scottie Morris, calling the WiFi project his brainchild.

In addition to the benefit to the citizens and business, Morris also wanted the WiFi to serve as an economic development tool.

"We look forward to offering opportunities for people to come visit our wonderful town. The WiFi availability increases the chances for people from outside communities to stop and shop locally and promote economic development," Morris stated.

Rebekah Cansler McGee can be reached at rebekah.mcgee@the-dispatch.com or 249.3981 ext. 228.

<p>The Town of Denton followed suit of much larger cities when it implemented public WiFi this past month.</p><p>The beginning of February signaled the start of Denton's public WiFi, offering an umbrella of coverage in Harrison Park. Victor Pizzurro, Denton town manager, said the town installed the WiFi antennas near the town clock and under the gazebo. This allows the WiFi's signal to blanket the area without much interference from the buildings.</p><p>The WiFi idea came from looking at neighboring cities as well as discussions from the county's town managers and mayors. Pizzurro said he wanted to give credit to Lexington's officials as their WiFi set-up was part of what sparked the installation in Denton. Lexington's public WiFi went live in late December.</p><p>"We've been communicating with Lexington officials, and they have a really good (WiFi) set up," Pizzurro said. "We introduced the WiFi to help economic development in our town."</p><p>Similar to Lexington, the WiFi is intended for outdoor use. Pizzurro said the town is looking into expanding but is taking into consideration the cost. Right now, the signal covers about a two-block radius, which reaches slightly outside the park's boundaries. </p><p>"We're very excited and pleased with the availability of WiFi in the downtown area, not only for our businesses but for our citizens as well," Pizzurro said.</p><p>Pizzurro gave credit to the mayor of Denton, Scottie Morris, calling the WiFi project his brainchild.</p><p>In addition to the benefit to the citizens and business, Morris also wanted the WiFi to serve as an economic development tool.</p><p>"We look forward to offering opportunities for people to come visit our wonderful town. The WiFi availability increases the chances for people from outside communities to stop and shop locally and promote economic development," Morris stated. </p><p>Rebekah Cansler McGee can be reached at rebekah.mcgee@the-dispatch.com or 249.3981 ext. 228.</p>